I have been over to Spain for a seven day birding vacation. My target birds being Citril Finch & Dupont's Lark, which would both be lifers. plus Wallcreeper, Lammergeir and Alpine Accentor for photography. For a few days I went with a guide (Stephen C on this forum, plus I was joined by two other birders (David - cactusdave on BF & Clive)
Throughout the seven days I encountered some very interesting weather from heavy snow falls to almost monsoon like conditions. From wind that was so fierce and cold that you couldn't venture out of the car for more than a few minutes to the last day where it was warm enough to be without a jacket.
The results of the seven days can be read using the link below. There are further links on the opening page that take you to bird photos and Landscape photos.
http://www.coventrybirder.co.uk/mai...pain%202011.htm
Hi...I felt somehow bad about Your expensive whereabouts and the crappy weather...We had amazing weather just a bit before Your arrival...I saw some interesting migrants already in early february,and a trip to Delta del Llobregat few days before You was also very nice,with some Curlews,Oystercatchers,Bittern,Flamingo,plus a large peregrine falcon hitting on the Fredalugas(Lapwigs)..Audoins can be seen often from my location,in Playa del Muntanyans ,Torredembarra,an hour south of Barcelona,in the way to Delta del Ebro,plus some other interesting migrants,like Bluethroat ...
I really think that the best way to go is using Public transportation ,It saves money and time,..To Nuria ,Delta del Ebro(You would have to get a car locally in Sant Jaume or Amposta),Monserrat,and definitely Delta del Llobregat,trains and Buses will leave You in the gate of the reserves...
I can well imagine that Public Transport would be the cheaper way to travel but I would never take my equipment on Public Transport when abroad, or anywhere else for that matter. I also like the freedom to break off from where I go to try somewhere else that might be some way from where I am at the time.
I also have to be brutally honest and say that I prefer the Costa Del Sol, Extremadura, Costa de la Luz and Donana areas than Cataluyna. They seem to have a lot more to offer.
Having said all that I did have some good times and excellent photography chances but the weather really curtailed things. If that had been better who knows, I may have a better feeling about Cataluyna than I have now.
John